BEST PLACES TO SEE IN ARIZONA 

Arizona boasts unique, jaw-dropping landscapes. It’s home to rocky canyons, cactus-smattered desert plains, and towering snow-tipped mountain peaks. The Grand Canyon State is aptly named, as the canyon — Arizona’s piece-de-resistance — is among the most visited national wonders in the world. It’s easy to appreciate why Arizona is loved for its otherworldly natural phenomenon. The state’s climate is also incredibly varied. The dry, warm winters bring “snowbirds” from Canada and the East Coast. And while Phoenix summers are scorching and unbearable, the higher elevation of Flagstaff, Prescott, and Sedona allow locals and visitors to cool off, refresh and further explore the marvelous state year-round.

Arizona also features several testaments to mankind’s ingenuity, like the Hoover Dam, several Native American historical sites, dozens of museums, and prominent monuments to the “Old West,” where cowboys roamed and the fastest draw wrote the law. Knowing which of Arizona’s splendors to explore first is hard, even for locals, and especially if you want to adventure off the beaten path for a bit. There’s just too much to explore in one lifetime. However, there are a few standout opportunities that make for a truly memorable itinerary. Here are the top unique things to do in Arizona.

Coyote Buttes – The Wave

You’ve likely seen photos of Coyote Buttes’ infamous features, the most prominent of which is known as “The Wave,” but very few people ever get to experience the remarkable terrain first hand. The Buttes are roughly 5,225 feet above sea level and boast an otherworldly, harmonic appearance. Towering sandstone structures blend perfectly with sweeping strata domes. The Buttes are composed of calcified and hardened Navajo Sandstone dunes, which means they are still susceptible to damage. To protect this majestic landscape, only 20 visitors a day can walk through the ravine. Permits are also required, and they’re only given out through online and in-person lotteries.

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Kartchner Caverns

Arizona’s wonders are also below the ground itself, and Kartchner Caverns is among the most under traveled, jaw-dropping attractions in the state. Parts of the cave are open to the public and accessible through a guided tour, including two large chamber rooms. The first dubbed a ‘Throne Room’, holds the world’s largest (known) soda-straw stalactite. The second cavern, known as the ‘Big Room’, showcases a significant Brushite moon milk formation. The cave itself has been partially developed to allow for visitors. With paved paths, lighting and a sound system, the natural formation maintains its wild, unmolested heritage. There are still several large areas in the developed part of the cave that have been left relatively untouched, and other parts that haven’t been explored in decades.

Horseshoe Bend

The Grand Canyon, in all its splendor and grandeur, can get crowded. For an action-packed trip to the area without all the people, consider visiting The Glen Canyon National Recreation Area’. The GCNRA is home to Lake Powell, the Glen Canyon Dam, Horseshoe Bend, and the majestic Antelope Canyon. Horseshoe Bend offers stunning views and spectacular photo opportunities. It’s a great roadside pitstop.

Humphrey’s Peak

Arizona isn’t known for its fabulous mountain ranges or world-class skiing. And although its skiing and snowboarding isn’t world class, Flagstaff and Tucson have plenty of fun snow-sport opportunities in the winter at Humphrey’s Peak and Mount Lemon. In the off-season, Humphrey’s Peak becomes one of the best and tallest hiking destinations in the state. The peak is part of the San Francisco Peaks, an ancient stratovolcano north of Flagstaff. This mountain range is sacred to Native American tribes in the area, some of who call Humphreys Peak “Doko’oosliid” or “Abalone Shell Mountain.”

Hotel Congress

Step back into the past by spending a night at Hotel Congress. This classic hotel was built in 1919 and emboldens the classiest parts of that era. While Hotel Congress is a delight to walk through and gawk at, it also has a rich history with John Dillinger and his gang of merry bandits. January 22, 1934, Dillinger and his crew were sleeping at Congress Hotel when a fire started, sending people fleeing for their lives. Naturally, the outlaws evacuated the building but the chaos and rush made them leave behind luggage containing weapons, clothing, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash. Because they used aliases to rent the rooms, the Dillinger gang couldn’t retrieve their luggage themselves. Consequently, they paid off a couple of local firemen to retrieve their “lost” goods. Soon after, their plot unraveled, and they were swiftly arrested by the Tucson Police Department.

Tovrea Castle

Arizona isn’t exactly Scotland, Ireland, or England. Castles aren’t known here unless you’re looking for ancient native ruins. But Phoenix is hiding a small castle within the heart of its city limits. Tovrea Castle is a historic landmark that was built in 1928 by Italian-born Alessio Carraro, who planned to create a resort for wealthy clientele. Unfortunately for him, the Great Depression thwarted his customer’s finances and the resort was short lived. Castle tours are available if you book in advance.

Sedona Horseback Riding

Sedona is full of magical landscapes, literally to some people. The mystical desert town is plopped next to towering red sandstone bluffs and spires. There are dozens of fabulous hikes throughout the area, but horseback rides are among the better ways to see Sedona’s magical landscape. If you can’t make it to Sedona. There are several guided horseback tour companies in the valley. Some of which have Groupon discounts. Horseback riding tours are a great way to explore the desert in “old west” fashion.

About the author: Haley Kieser is from Gilbert, Arizona. She loves reading and writing. In her spare time, you can find her exploring the outdoors or sippin’ on a craft brew.